"There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: 'Mine!'"
-Abraham Kuyper

26.3.17

A Few Thoughts on Repentance -

A Few Thoughts on
Repentance –

Repentance
is a gift from God. We mustn’t assume that repentance has its origin within us.
God gives repentance as a gift of grace through the work of the Spirit in His
people and as such ought to be treated as a gift with an awareness of an
undeserved mercy. (2 Tim. 2:25)

Repentance
is recognizing that our offense is primarily a transgression against God and
His holy character, and secondarily against our neighbor as His image bearer.
(Matt. 22:36-40)

Repentance,
rightly understood, inevitably brings about a change of mind and posture
towards those whom we’ve sinned against. First, in abhorrence of my behavior as
it has been directed toward to the person and character of God, and second, as
I have sinned against my neighbor. Repentance looks like renewed disposition,
love, and good deeds directed toward both. (Eph. 4:28)

Repentance
is casting myself upon the mercy of God for my personal transgressions against
God and my neighbor, and imploring Him for forgiveness, and trusting that He
will hear my cry for mercy. And this with a single view of turning away from
this action that has caused a breach between Him (and my neighbor) and me, with
full recognition that without God’s mercy I am lost in my sin. (Psalm 51, Luke
18:9-14)

Repentance
is recognizing and embracing the reality that my sinful behavior is no small
thing. My sin is a transgression against the holy character of God and as such
required the death of Jesus Christ as God’s sin-bearer. (Heb. 9:22)

My
repentance is not conditioned upon the repentance of someone else. My
transgression is mine alone and whether someone else repents is of no
consequence to me. My sinful action against God (and my neighbor) is the sole
predicate for my repentance. (Matt. 5:23)

Lack
of repentance brings judgment. (James 5:9)

Repentance
must characterize the community of the forgiven as the world looks on in
confounded amazement. (Rev. 2:5)

Repentance
makes the heart glad as we become reconciled to God and our neighbor. (James
5:16)

Repentance is an indication that we are walking in the light
and have fellowship with God through Christ. (1 John 1)

Repentance shows the inestimable worth of Jesus Christ as a
propitiation for my sin. (1 John 1:5-10)